Batad Rice Terraces

IT was the breathtaking view of the rice terraces from my bedroom window that captivated me during my first solo backpacking adventure to Batad. I remember how busy that year was, finishing a project that required me to work even on weekends to meet the launch date. When the product was finally launched a few weeks before Christmas, I looked for air, bus, or ferry tickets to take me somewhere I could finally relax, but they were all sold out. The only available option was a bus ticket to Banaue, leaving on the evening of Christmas Day.

I bought the last ticket, boarded the evening bus to Banaue, and only upon arrival did I decide to go to Batad. "Can you take me to Batad, and pick me up two days later?" I asked the tricycle driver upon reaching Banaue. "Yes, sir, but only up to Batad junction at the main road. You have to trek three to four hours to reach Batad proper," was his reply. He agreed on a pick-up time, drove me for about an hour, then dropped me off at the Batad junction.